The Nespresso VertuoPlus has earned a reputation as one of the most approachable machines in the VertuoLine family. Designed for those who want coffee shop convenience at home, it pairs sleek design, one-touch brewing, and flexible cup sizes with Nespresso’s Centrifusion technology.
But is it the right pick for you, or should you consider another Vertuo model like the Vertuo Next or Vertuo Evoluo? In this review, we’ll dive into every angle—design, performance, pod compatibility, taste, ease of use, maintenance, and value for money—to give you the most complete picture.
Design & Build Quality
Modern Aesthetic with Functional Flexibility
The VertuoPlus was built with modern kitchens in mind. It has a curved, minimalist design that feels more polished than the blockier OriginalLine models.
One of its biggest advantages? The movable water tank. You can swivel the tank to the back, left, or right side—perfect if you’re working with limited counter space.
Build Materials and Durability
The machine is primarily plastic, which keeps it lightweight but may not feel as premium as the stainless steel Creatista line. However, it’s durable enough for daily use.
Size and Dimensions
• Height: 12.8 in
• Width: 5.6 in
• Depth: 16.2 in
• Weight: 10.27 lbs
This footprint makes it mid-sized in the Vertuo family—slimmer than the Evoluo, larger than the Essenza Mini (OriginalLine).
Brewing Technology – Centrifusion Explained
How Centrifusion Works
Instead of using pump pressure like OriginalLine machines, the VertuoPlus uses Centrifusion: the pod spins at up to 7,000 RPM, blending coffee grounds with hot water to extract evenly.
Flavor Results
- Espresso & Double Espresso – Smooth, with thick crema, though less intense than OriginalLine’s pressure brewing.
- Gran Lungo & Mug Sizes – Excellent balance, designed for longer cups.
- Alto (14 oz) – More like American drip coffee.
Barcode Scanning System
Every Vertuo pod comes with a barcode. The machine automatically adjusts brew time, water volume, temperature, and spin speed to optimize each pod. No manual adjustments are needed—making it foolproof, but also restrictive if you like experimenting.
Cup Sizes & Pod Range
Available Cup Sizes
- Espresso (1.35 oz)
- Double Espresso (2.7 oz)
- Gran Lungo (5 oz)
- Coffee/Mug (7.7 oz)
- Alto (14 oz)
Pod Availability
The VertuoPlus is locked to Nespresso Vertuo pods only. Unlike the OriginalLine, which has third-party compatible pods, Vertuo pods are exclusive.
This ensures consistent quality, but also means higher cost per cup and less variety from outside roasters.
Performance & Taste
Heat-Up Time
The VertuoPlus heats up in about 20–25 seconds, fast enough for busy mornings.
Brewing Speed
- Espresso: 40–60 seconds
- Mug: 90–120 seconds
- Carafe (for Vertuo Next, not Plus): unavailable
Taste Quality
- Strength – Smooth, less “bite” than OriginalLine espresso.
- Crema – Thick and foamy, but more airy than authentic Italian crema.
- Consistency – Reliable every time, thanks to barcode scanning.
Ease of Use & Connectivity
One-Touch Brewing
Just insert a pod, press the button, and let the machine handle the rest. It’s arguably the easiest machine in the Nespresso lineup.
Water Tank Convenience
The 40 oz water tank provides 5–8 cups before refilling. The swivel tank design makes it much easier to fit into any space.
Lack of Connectivity
Unlike the Vertuo Next, the VertuoPlus does not have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. If you want app integration, you’ll need to look at newer Vertuo models.
Cleaning & Maintenance
- Automatic Pod Ejection
- After brewing, the pod is automatically ejected into a used capsule container (holds up to 10 large pods).
- Descaling Process
- The VertuoPlus has a descaling alert light, reminding you when to run a cleaning cycle. Descaling is simple but must be done every 3 months for optimal taste.
- Ease of Cleaning
- Removable drip tray, capsule container, and water tank make it quick to rinse and maintain.
Pros & Cons
Pros
• Swivel water tank for flexible placement
• Wide range of cup sizes (espresso → 14 oz coffee)
• One-touch brewing with barcode scanning
• Fast heat-up time (~25 seconds)
• Consistent results and smooth taste
Cons
• Locked to Vertuo pods (no third-party options)
• Crema is foamy, not authentic espresso crema
• Lacks app connectivity (unlike Vertuo Next)
• Mostly plastic build
Who the VertuoPlus Is Best For
Ideal Users
• Busy professionals who want one-touch convenience
• Households with mixed coffee preferences (espresso & long coffee)
• Small kitchens needing space flexibility
Not Ideal For
• Espresso purists who want pressure-based intensity
• Budget-minded users who want cheap third-party pods
• Tech-savvy coffee lovers who want Wi-Fi or app features
VertuoPlus vs Other Nespresso Models
VertuoPlus vs Vertuo Next
• Next: more compact, app-connected, can brew 18 oz carafes
• Plus: larger water tank, no app, but more durable
VertuoPlus vs Evoluo
• Evoluo: slightly faster heat-up, bulkier design
• Plus: sleeker, quieter, easier maintenance
VertuoPlus vs OriginalLine
• OriginalLine: stronger espresso, more pod variety (3rd party)
• VertuoPlus: better for longer coffee drinks
Price & Value
Machine Price: Usually $159–$199, depending on color and retailer.
Cost per Pod
- Vertuo pods: $0.90–$1.60 each.
- Annual cost: $300–$700 depending on usage.
Verdict on Value
The VertuoPlus offers great value for convenience seekers but is less cost-efficient for heavy coffee drinkers compared to drip machines or manual espresso makers.
Is the VertuoPlus Worth It?
The Nespresso VertuoPlus hits a sweet spot for those who want ease of use, flexible cup sizes, and consistent brewing in a mid-priced package. It’s not the strongest espresso machine in the lineup, nor the most feature-packed, but it remains one of Nespresso’s most balanced, user-friendly options.
If you love smooth coffee and convenience over experimentation and authenticity, the VertuoPlus will serve you well.
Disclosure: Our blog contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
